Real Mom Reviews
Skip Hop Walk-Along™ Stroller Handle
My toddler is a runner. He takes advantage of every opportunity to bolt from my side! This unique stroller handle gives him a way to have some serious independence while he is still cooperating with my safety guidelines. It’s definitely been a helpful tool for our family! $8, www.SkipHop.com
Baby Banz
I’ve lost count of how many times my kids have thrown their sunglasses over the edge of their stroller. I was so happy to discover these glasses that have a neoprene elastic strap that has a much higher success rate when it comes to keeping sunglasses on my kids’ faces! Made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate, these glasses are capable of holding prescription lenses, offer 100 percent UV protection and are available in a rainbow of colors. From $17, www.USA.BabyBanz.com
City Mini GT Stroller
In my three years of being a mommy, I’ve seen my fair number of strollers. I wish I would have made a bigger investment in my first stroller—because now that I’ve used this one, I’m spoiled! It can be customized with multiple accessories, comes in a variety of colors and drives like a dream. The all-terrain wheels, super quick-fold technology and UV 50+ sun canopy are my favorite features. $350, www.BabyJogger.com
Bellaband
There’s nothing quite as annoying as the sagging of maternity pants in the late third trimester of pregnancy. This maternity band is designed to fix the problem—just wear it over your unbuttoned pants, and it will keep them in place. Available in several colors with a lace trim option, this will be a maternity and postpartum staple the next time I am pregnant. $28, www.IngridAndIsabel.com
The Original BedBug
This plush pal is uniquely designed to make bedtime easier for kids—especially when Mom or Dad can’t be at home when it’s time for the child to sleep. Record three custom voice messages: two 20-second clips and one 3-minute segment. Kids can press the button on the BedBug’s satin feet and hear their personalized messages as they drift off to sleep. Best part? This company is based right here in the metro—in Overland Park—and their product is available at several local retailers! $29.99, www.OriginalBedBug.com
Baby Om by Laura Staton and Sarah Perron
Babies keep mommies very busy—which means there may not be a lot of time leftover for exercise routines. And because losing baby weight is something most moms are concerned about, this is not an ideal situation! This mom-and-baby yoga book enables a new mother to get in some playtime while toning and strengthening her postpartum body. That is definitely a win-win in my book. $19.99, www.Amazon.com
Julie McKinley is a stay-at-home mom of a 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter. Keeping up with her kids is a full-time job, so she is always on the lookout for innovative baby products that make life a little easier! In between snuggles and diaper changes, she blogs at www.DirectorJewels.com.